Dogs Trust and the University of Salford have created a free audio playlist called 'Sound Blanket' to help dogs cope with the noise of fireworks, following data showing that almost one in three UK owners report their dog has sound sensitivity to fireworks.
The nine-track compilation of comforting sounds was developed over a year-long collaboration and is now available on Spotify and YouTube. The tracks blend calming natural sounds, such as running water, with a specially designed noise spectrum to mask the low frequencies of fireworks that easily pass through house walls.
Research Behind the Playlist
Dr Zuzanna Podwinska, researcher in acoustics and sound perception, led the study. She said: "By analysing which firework sounds trigger fear in dogs, we were able to design a targeted solution. Since low frequencies easily pass through house walls, we modeled how fireworks sound indoors and created a special noise spectrum to mask them."
She added: "By blending these frequencies with calming, natural sounds of running water, we can help drown out the scary noises. It's wonderful to see this research directly helping pets and their owners."
Dr Podwinska recommends that owners start using the playlist now, playing it to their dog in a room they love, to form positive associations with the music before firework night.
Real-Life Impact on Dogs and Owners
Extreme fear of fireworks can cause trembling, panting, hiding, whining, or dogs trying to run away. Bea Ruano, a 27-year-old communications professional from London, owns Gilly, a six-year-old greyhound who is afraid of fireworks. She said: "We live in London, so every year there are fireworks going off all around us. If Gilly hears them, she starts shaking uncontrollably and panting – it's horrible to see. We're hoping the Sound Blanket will help keep her calm this year."
Joanna Hawthorne, 30, from County Armagh, has been playing the Sound Blanket to her dog, Kevin, a four-year-old goldendoodle. She said: "He's a wee scaredy boy who is terrified of fireworks. But I've been playing him the Sound Blanket and it's been visibly soothing him. I have high hopes for bonfire night."
Positive Results and Advice
Dogs Trust tests found that 99% of canines tolerated the Sound Blanket. The playlist could be especially helpful with the approach of Halloween, bonfire night, Diwali, and New Year's Eve.
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, advises owners to start using the Sound Blanket now. He said: "We wanted to give owners back some sense of control during fireworks – you can help your dog in lots of ways. Create a safe, comfortable space at home, close curtains and windows, provide enrichment activities, and now you can also try out our free Sound Blanket as another tool to help your dog."
The full playlist includes tracks such as Safe Waters, Riverside Calm, Gentle Static, Forest Stream, Calm Current, Stream & Soothe, Flowing Water, Gentle Gurgle, and Babbling Brook.
